A popular youth sport is returning to Steinbach this spring with a new name and a continued focus on building both athletic and life skills.
Kids rugby will kick off its 2025 season on Tuesday, May 6, now operating under the name TAIKA Kids Rugby. The name “Taika” means “tiger” in several Polynesian languages, a nod to the Island Breeze organization that runs the program.
TAIKA Kids Rugby sessions will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at A.D. Penner Park. The program is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14, with options for younger children in some cases.
Rugby for all skill levels
Coach Isi Masi says kids rugby is designed for all skill levels, with players starting in non-contact flag rugby before moving into optional introductory contact levels.
“We start off with flag rugby,” said Masi. “If kids are interested in contact, then we do an intro to contact. But they start off with a flag before we jump on to the next level.”
Masi says the emphasis is always on safety, teaching proper technique and helping children develop confidence as they progress.
@steinbach_online #Kids #Rugby #athletes showing their #skills prior to Eastman Warriors game in #Steinbach. Read more at #SteinbachOnline #sports #Manitoba ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline
Jamboree-style events return
This year, Steinbach will also host a kids rugby jamboree on May 24, welcoming players from clubs in Winnipeg, Dauphin, Portage and Selkirk. Jamborees are multi-club events where players of all levels participate in games and skill-building sessions.
Masi says one of the highlights of the sport is how easily players from different clubs can connect and form mixed teams if needed.
“If we are not able to make up the team, the kids will join another team. That’s the beautiful thing about it—they just get running and playing,” he said.
More than a sport
While athletic skills are part of every practice, Masi says TAIKA Kids Rugby also places a strong emphasis on leadership and character development. Lessons in humility, patience and personal growth are included regularly during team “timeout” moments.
“We try our best to give what we call life skill tools for the tool belts,” Masi explained. “Hopefully the kids would walk away with some of those nuggets and remember them for the rest of their life.”
The program's name—TAIKA—was inspired by a motivational cheer used across Island Breeze’s sports programs. The cheer is rooted in Pacific Island culture and is meant to energize kids and build team spirit.
Opportunities for parents, too
Masi says there's growing interest among parents as well, not just as spectators or volunteers—but possibly as participants.
“I was thinking to myself, I have all these parents that are coming. I wonder if I should run something on the side for parents to learn and play rugby just for fun,” he said. “Maybe they could go to a rugby game and be more informed on what’s happening on the field.”
Those interested in volunteering, coaching or registering their child are encouraged to reach out directly by email.
